Failure to Recognize Signs & Symptoms of Acute Abdomen Due to Appendicitis

Evaluate breaches in the standard of care by using your fact pattern to answer the questions herein and to determine whether or not there was or was not Failure to Recognize Signs & Symptoms of Acute Abdomen Due to Appendicitis

Answer the following questions to find out if the standard of care was followed for your case.

Did the patient present with symptoms of acute appendicitis?YesNoAnswer unknownWhy is this important?Symptoms of acute appendicitis:

Pain in the lower right abdomen

Vomiting

Fever

(2012) 10 IJSURG 3 115

Was medical history obtained? Why is this important?Answer this question Equally as important as the type of symptoms the patient is experiencing is the details associated with each of those symptoms. (2012) 10 IJSURG 3 115

Was physical examination performed? Why is this important?Answer this question A thorough physical exam and anamnesis are vital to prevent unnecessary surgery and to avoid complications. Precise attention to the details of the physical examination is crucial to correctly diagnose appendicitis. (2012) 10 IJSURG 3 115

Was the patient treated for a differential diagnosis and discharged? Why is this important?Answer this question A variety of inflammatory conditions in the right lower quadrant can mimic appendicitis. Appendicitis is frequently misdiagnosed for pelvic inflammatory disease, gastroenteritis and a urinary tract infection. (2012) 10 IJSURG 3 115

Which of the following diagnostic lab investigations were performed? (Choose all that apply) Why is this important?Answer this question Diagnostic laboratory studies are vital in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. (2012) 10 IJSURG 3 115

Which of the following imaging studies were performed? (Choose all that apply) Why is this important?Answer this question Diagnostic imaging studies need to be performed for patients in whom clinical and laboratory findings are inconclusive. (2012) 10 IJSURG 3 115

Was the patient diagnosed with acute appendicitis? Why is this important?Answer this question A conclusive diagnosis of acute appendicitis is achieved by correlation of the physical examination, the diagnostic lab studies and the interpretation of the imaging studies. (2012) 10 IJSURG 3 115

Was the patient referred to a surgeon for further management? Why is this important?Answer this question Immediate surgical consult is required when diagnosis of appendicitis is made or even suspected and cannot be ruled out from the clinical examination. (2012) 10 IJSURG 3 115